Create, record and perform your own songs in an environment where your artistic talent will be nurtured. You’ll develop your craft in our well-equipped, on-campus studios. And specialist modules will help broaden your appreciation of music and sound.
Ready to develop and unleash your creative potential? Studying our music production course, you’ll uncover music and sound’s diverse characteristics by exploring technology, sound design, composition, production and mastering, and social media. And we’ll share advice on how to search for jobs in the music business.
The course includes studio practice, songwriting and recording, production and mastering, arranging popular music and composing for film. You’ll explore the areas that interest you, using professional equipment in our studios. Our Creative Arts buildings include three recording studios, two television studios, two theatres, and many rehearsal spaces.
You’ll feel part of the industry even as a student. We regularly invite our connections to give guest lectures, so you can build your network and explore real challenges facing professionals. So when you finish your degree you’ll be ready to kick-start your career in the music industry.
In Year 1, you’ll trace the history of popular music. Improve your musicianship composing and performing songs with others. You’ll gain hands-on experience with computer and studio based music technology and take part in ensemble performance. Optional modules let you explore the psychology and sociology of music, sound for the moving image, and develop music literacy.
Creative Music Technology introduces you to a range of repertoires and techniques derived from sample-based approaches to composition and sound design. You will identify and analyse concrete (sample-based) approaches to composition within contemporary electronic music. Engaging in a creative exploration of the studio as an instrument, including the technologies and techniques related to recording, sampling, sound design, sequencing and arranging, will enable you to develop knowledge of a variety of skills that can be applied within musical compositions. You will create your own sounds from scratch in a recording studio which will then be creatively applied in compositions or sound design projects. This process enables you to develop essential technical skills, critical listening skills and attention to detail.
Module code: MUS1172
Credits: 20
Ensemble Performance
Ensemble Performance assists you in developing skills and confidence in musical performance. Practical workshops will enable you to develop your skills in composition, arranging, performance strategies and improvisation. Through a series of collaborative small-group projects, you will develop arrangements of existing or original material to be performed in a public setting at the end of the module. You will produce all aspects of the final performance, such as staging, stage management and live sound, thereby gaining knowledge and understanding of this key area of musical practice.
Module code: MUS1170
Credits: 20
Introduction to Popular Music and Media
Introduction to Popular Music and Media examines how popular music has shaped and been shaped by other media since the middle of the twentieth century. Starting with the Beatles and Elvis Presley on radio and film and working your way to popular music videos, marketing campaigns and contemporary streaming services, you will discover the development of this innate relationship. The module introduces you to the key terminology and ideas at the centre of this connection, not just as a way to be able to engage and analyse media, music and popular culture, but as a platform to begin to think about where your own compositions, arrangements, and performances may exist within or shape this framework moving forward. The module draws primarily from the fields of musicology, popular music studies and media studies but also engages you in research of phenomenology, literary studies, performances studies and marketing.
Module code: MUS1173
Credits: 20
Studio Practice
Studio Practice focuses on the recording of music. The module will develop your skills in a modern studio environment, exposing you to current hardware and software which will provide you with real-world experience appropriate to the industry. The practical elements of the module are underpinned by relevant theory, established principles and working practices, enabling you to exploit the dynamic elements of music for creative purposes. Exploration and experimentation with microphones and digital audio workstations will culminate in the creation of a piece of music.
Is This Music? Understanding Sound in Society primes you to formulate a vocabulary and repertoire of concepts so as to communicate with clarity on the subjects of music and sound. The module introduces you to the sociology and psychology of music and encourages you to reflect on your own musical activities in the context of other practices and theories. It covers a wide range of musical customs, Western and non-Western, classical and popular, past and present, although it focuses on musical and social developments since the Industrial Revolution. The aim is for you to understand not just how these customs connect with music, but why they do so, and how that engagement compares to that of others in the world.
Module code: MUS1164
Credits: 20
Music Literacy
Music Literacy is designed to assist those who cannot read conventional music notation or who have not yet reached the standard represented by the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) Grade 5 Theory examination. The module will introduce you to time-based and pitch-based notation, basic principles of writing melody, harmony and counterpoint, varieties of rhythmic notation, simple phrasing, and descriptive terms in various languages. At the end of the module, you will have the required knowledge and skills to be able to successfully achieve the ABRSM Grade 5 Theory standard.
Module code: MUS1168
Credits: 20
Performance Study
Performance Study is the first stage in which you are taught technique and musicianship, on an instrument or vocally, along a progressive path set by professional specialists. The module will generally be taught in one-to-one, hour-long weekly sessions (ten per semester).
Module code: MUS1008
Credits: 20
Sound for Picture
Sound for Picture introduces you to the theory and practice associated with film sound and particularly post-production sound design. The module examines both the relevant theory and the technology necessary for successful capture of audio suitable for film. You will record all of the sound for a short digital movie, using only one microphone and a digital recorder. You will then have the opportunity to explore the perceptual properties of sound and manipulate it for dramatic effect with industry standard software. Keeping a production diary will encourage you to reflect upon the skills you gain.
Module code: MED1202
Credits: 20
Words and Music
Words and Music focuses upon a fundamental aspect of the genre of musical theatre that will equip you with an understanding of issues that impact upon the creation and performance of musical theatre works. You will critically examine approaches to the combination of text and music. Initially taking examples from across a range of genres, classical and popular, the module will progress to focus upon music in theatre, from opera to musical theatre. This will be undertaken as a series of case studies, with the intention to develop your critical awareness and understanding of a range of techniques and practices. These will include solo song/aria, duos and ensembles and larger structures (for example, the finale). The study will further examine the role and function of the librettist, and the relationship between composer and librettist (if they are not the same person). You will also be presented with opportunities to develop your own creative practice in the combination of words and music.
Module code: MTH1105
Credits: 20
Language 1
Language 1 is ideal if you want to learn a new language, or further develop your current language skills, as an integrated part of this degree. You can study French, German, Arabic, Italian, Mandarin, Japanese or Spanish (subject to minimum numbers for your preferred language). Delivered at the Edge Hill Language Centre, the module will be taught in an interactive, communicative manner, using authentic materials in the target language. Emphasis will be placed on all four areas of reading, writing, speaking and listening. You will play an active role in the weekly two-hour classes, engaging in role-plays, short conversations, videos, authentic texts and listening materials. You will also be encouraged to reflect on your own learning needs. On enrolment to the module, you will complete a language induction form and be placed into a language level group appropriate for your prior knowledge of your chosen language. Please note, while we will endeavour to accommodate varying language levels per module, this is not always possible. While you can join the module with some prior experience of your target language, you will not be able to study a language you are already fluent or proficient in.
Module code: TLC1010
Credits: 20
There’s greater focus on composition, performance and recording in year 2. You’ll uncover the research methods behind music, media and sound. Choose to learn about electronic music and synthetic sound design, arranging popular music or performing live. There’ll be opportunities to review live performances, and to play to audiences in live music venues.
Compositional Forms and Approaches focuses on the work of notable composers and songwriters from a wide range of styles and genres. Case studies will uncover the compositional techniques and forms used by select composers. You will subsequently adapt and apply these approaches to composition in your own creative work. Following analytical studies of form, harmony, rhythm, melody and texture, you will be guided in devising musical structures in which a broad range of production techniques can be applied.
Module code: MUS2177
Credits: 20
Recording Live Music
Recording Live Music focuses on capturing music remotely, outside of the recording studio. The module engages you with the systems and workflows necessary for recording musical performances in a range of different contexts, including (but not limited to) concert venues, field recording techniques, campus theatres and TV studios. In the latter studio environments, you will be introduced to innovative approaches to remote audio capture using audio over an internet protocol (IP) network. Analogue and digital technology will be utilised throughout the module and you will gain hands-on experience of recording bands of various sizes and in a range of locations. Live recordings will then be mixed in a recording studio using relevant post-processing techniques.
Module code: MUS2174
Credits: 20
Researching Music
Researching Music introduces you to a range of key concepts, approaches and theoretical paradigms deployed in the study and criticism of contemporary music and culture. Key concepts related to the cultural understanding of contemporary music will be discussed and critically interrogated in relation to musical examples. You will learn how to locate, interpret and understand music in relevant cultural contexts, drawing upon key terms and theoretical frameworks in the construction of critically informed arguments, and developing practical skills for identifying, planning and executing an independently structured research project.
Module code: MUS2175
Credits: 20
Song Writing and Recording
Song Writing and Recording explores songwriting via notable examples from pop, rock, folk and country. The module provides you with the opportunity to enhance your composition skills while also perfecting studio recording technique. You will explore the works of contemporary artists by means of analysis, discretisation (segmentation) and dissection of notable works. The module will culminate in the capture of an original song, performed and recorded in a high quality studio setting.
Arranging Popular Music introduces you to the techniques associated with the transformational role of the arranger in the production of popular music. While arranging is often seen as adding material to a song, the arranger might also refine the composition through reduction of timbre or enhancement of other features, and so the role of the arranger is often one of both transformation and realisation. As well as exploring facets of harmonisation, orchestration, instrumentation and voice leading, you will engage with the directorial, conducting and diplomatic skills needed to manage studio time and organise session musicians. Historical work by leading arrangers will also be examined to enhance your understanding of the arranging process and its deployment in different genres.
Module code: MUS2176
Credits: 20
Electronic Music and Sound Design
Electronic Music and Sound Design engages you in a creative exploration of sound synthesis techniques, equipping you with knowledge and skills to inform the production of distinctive and highly flexible sounds for use in a variety of applied musical contexts. The module will develop your understanding of fundamental concepts and repertoires of relevance to digital audio, enabling you to identify and analyse synthetic approaches to composition and sound design within contemporary digital and electronic music. The acquisition of technical and theoretical knowledge will be demonstrated through the completion of a number of compositional assignments and original compositions.
Module code: MUS2171
Credits: 20
Performance Development
Performance Development is the intermediate stage in which you are taught technique and musicianship, on an instrument or vocally, along a progressive path set by professional specialists. The module will generally be taught in one-to-one, hour-long sessions, supported by related classes focused on collaborative projects and improvisatory strategies.
Module code: MUS2060
Credits: 20
Playing Live
Playing Live allows you to gain experience of performing live in different environments and in front of different audiences. You will have the opportunity to gain credit for playing live on the street, or at a venue, such as a local open-mic event or other specialist music venue. You will also have the opportunity to perform in the Creative Edge TV studio and to play and have your music streamed over the Edge Hill Student Union’s radio station. This module is ideally suited to performing musicians and will provide you the opportunity to engage with the planning and organisational elements necessary for successful live performance.
Module code: MUS2066
Credits: 20
Language 2
Language 2 is ideal if you want to learn a new language, or further develop your current language skills, as an integrated part of this degree. You can study French, German, Arabic, Italian, Mandarin, Japanese or Spanish (subject to minimum numbers for your preferred language). Delivered at the Edge Hill Language Centre, the module will be taught in an interactive, communicative manner, using authentic materials in the target language. Emphasis will be placed on all four areas of reading, writing, speaking and listening. You will play an active role in the weekly two-hour classes, engaging in role-plays, short conversations, videos, authentic texts and listening materials. You will also be encouraged to reflect on your own learning needs. On enrolment to the module, you will complete a language induction form and be placed into a language level group appropriate for your prior knowledge of your chosen language. Please note, while we will endeavour to accommodate varying language levels per module, this is not always possible. While you can join the module with some prior experience of your target language, you will not be able to study a language you are already fluent or proficient in.
Module code: TLC2000
Credits: 20
In the final year of the music production course, you’ll enhance your production skills, and get advice on securing work in the creative industries. You’ll complete a personal research project and refine your musicianship. You’ll have chances to compose music for film, use technology for digital performances, and engage with the social media marketing that underpins music download culture.
Dissertation Project offers you the opportunity to undertake an in-depth personal research project, under supervision, and explore a range of research methodologies and presentational formats appropriate to the project. You will gain a thorough knowledge of your chosen subject area and will be expected to shape that knowledge to produce a final submission that demonstrates your ability to locate the material within the wider contexts of your discipline. The project will require the consideration and discussion of methodological and epistemological issues. The dissertation will allow you to work independently to explore areas of contemporary academic interest, consider issues of current industry practice and critically analyse case studies or products within specific cultural and social contexts.
Module code: MUS3058
Credits: 40
Employment Strategies in the Creative Industries
Employment Strategies in the Creative Industries allows you to examine and evaluate methods by which to optimise opportunities for employment, commissions and interventions such as ‘clean-up’ tasks. Comparative methods of planning, networking and campaigning will be studied and workshopped and industry professionals will outline their grounds for selection. You will acquire strategies of how to plan for sustainability, maintain relations with institutions, and gain sources of finance for projects.
Module code: MUS3161
Credits: 20
Production and Mastering
Production and Mastering provides you with the opportunity to further enhance the critical listening skills necessary for more complex mixing tasks. You will explore and experiment with advanced music production techniques using current industry standard equipment. Attention will be given to the impact of software on the spectral and spatial enhancement of music during and after the final mix. The module will culminate in the production and mastering of a music composition suitable for delivery via a range of listening media.
Advanced Performance is the final undergraduate stage of three through which you will be taught technique and musicianship, on an instrument or vocally, along a progressive path set by professional specialists. The module will generally be taught in one-to-one, hour-long weekly sessions, or group sessions, under the supervision of a specialist.
Module code: MUS3173
Credits: 20
Composing for Film
Composing for Film explores the relationship between music and the moving image. Within the contexts of film, television, video games, advertising and animation, you will investigate the soundtrack and how it is formulated, using written and sonic methods of communication, such as scores and mock-ups. Ambient soundscapes, foregrounded music and songs will also be considered. The module takes the view of the composer, focusing on the contextual history and development of their role, the evolving nature of the industry, the changes in methods and workflows, and the tools used to deliver and synchronise the visual and non-visual element of the moving image. It will culminate with the creation of an original music score or soundscape to a given film extract.
Module code: MUS3174
Credits: 20
Electronic Performance and Interaction
Electronic Performance and Interaction introduces you to advanced computational techniques for real-time digital performance and interaction design. You will develop skills enabling you to move beyond studio and desktop based environments into the field of live multimedia performance and exhibition contexts. You will learn how to build bespoke software and digital instruments that supplement or replace the fixed duration compositions common to digital audio workstation compositions with dynamic systems for live performance and interaction.
Module code: MUS3172
Credits: 20
Social Media Context and Practice
Social Media Context and Practice engages with the information and communications technology currently underpinning download culture. You will consider the impact of internet-based sharing tools, specifically in relation to the online distribution and consumption of music. The module will also require you to devise a strategy for how this can best be exploited for a band or solo artist.
Module code: MUS3061
Credits: 20
Language 3
Language 3 enables you to build on and develop your previous language knowledge in French, German, Arabic, Italian, Mandarin or Spanish. You must have either studied the prior language module in the previous year or be able to demonstrate equivalent knowledge of your target language (though you will not be able to study a language you are already fluent or proficient in). The language levels available will be determined by the continuation of corresponding groups from the previous language module. You will gain the language skills necessary to become a more proficient user of the language. Classes will be taught in an interactive and communicative manner using authentic materials to promote meaningful communication. They will be conducted in the target language as much as possible. Emphasis will be on speaking and listening, with appropriate attention also being paid to other communication skills. Other work will include a variety of tasks which may be completed in the Language Centre.
Module code: TLC3000
Credits: 20
Where your course includes optional modules, these are to provide an element of choice within the course curriculum. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by timetabling requirements. Some restrictions on optional module choice or combinations of optional modules may apply.
How you'll study
As you study you will encounter a range of teaching methods and learning experiences designed to guide you in becoming a self-directed, autonomous learner, conscious of professional practice principles and ethics. In addition to tutor-focused instruction in lectures, seminars and workshops, there will also be opportunities for you to participate in work-related tasks and projects, group activities, individual tutorials, self-directed study and self-evaluation.
Timetables for your first week are normally available at the end of August prior to enrolment in September. You can expect to receive your timetable for the rest of the academic year during your first week. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week. Wednesday afternoons are normally reserved for sports and cultural activities.
How you'll be assessed
The programme is assessed predominantly by coursework. This includes practical desktop (DAW/MIDI) and studio-based recording assignments, report writing, blogs, videos and oral presentations. You will also have the opportunity to complete a dissertation or practical project in the final year of the programme.
There are no formal written examinations as part of the current assessment methods on this degree.
Who will be teaching you
The programme is delivered by a team of academics, professional practitioners and technical staff with creative expertise spanning a wide range of disciplines. These areas of expertise include performance and production, music theory, media and culture, film and TV production, sound for picture and sound design, experimental music, songwriting, research and practice-led research. Many of the staff who teach on the programme are practising musicians themselves.
Entry criteria
Entry requirements
Typical offer 112-120 UCAS Tariff points, preferably to include a music-related subject.
Other subjects will be considered if you can demonstrate your ability to create music, either as an electronic musician, or by playing a musical instrument (such as vocals, guitar, keyboard, bass, drums, percussion or brass), either in a band or as a solo artist.
No formal grade or professional qualification in playing a musical instrument is required but, in the absence of a Music-related subject to contribute towards the UCAS Tariff points, you will need to supply evidence in the form of video and/or audio recordings of songs and music created and performed. Recordings should be uploaded to SoundCloud and/or YouTube and the links to them put in your UCAS personal statement. In some circumstances, we may also invite you to attend an audition workshop.
Example offers
Qualification
Requirement
A Level
BBC-BBB.
BTEC Extended Diploma (or combination of BTEC QCF qualifications)
Distinction, Merit, Merit (DMM).
T Level
Overall grade of Merit.
International Baccalaureate (IB)
We are happy to accept IB qualifications which achieve the required number of UCAS Tariff points. Subject-specific requirements at Higher Level (HL) Grade 5 may apply.
Access to Higher Education Diploma
45 credits at Level 3, for example 15 credits at Distinction and 30 credits at Merit or 24 credits at Distinction and 21 credits at Merit. The required total can be attained from various credit combinations.
Please note, the above examples may differ from actual offers made. A combination of A Level and BTEC awards may also be accepted.
If you have a minimum of two A Levels (or equivalent), there is no maximum number of qualifications that we will accept UCAS points from. This includes additional qualifications such as Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), AS Levels that haven't been continued to A Level, and General Studies AS or A Level awards.
English language requirements
International students require IELTS 6.0, with a score no lower than 5.5 in each individual component, or an equivalent English language qualification.
If your current level of English is half a band, one band, or one-and-a-half bands lower, either overall or in one or two elements, you may want to consider our Pre-Sessional English course.
Please see our international student pages for further information about how to apply as a prospective international student.
Should you accept an offer of a place to study with us and formally enrol as a student, you will be subject to the provisions of the regulations, rules, codes, conditions and policies which apply to our students. These are available at www.edgehill.ac.uk/studentterms.
Did you know?
If you join a full time undergraduate degree at Edge Hill University, we will guarantee you the
offer of a room in our halls of residence for the first year of your course.
Music Production students at Edge Hill University enjoy industry-standard teaching and learning facilities in the £7million Arts Centre and £17million Creative Edge.
The Department of English and Creative Arts’ outstanding resources ensure you gain practical experience to a professional standard. Contemporary performance environments include the Rose and Studio theatres, digital sound studio, digital design suite, music technology room, music practice studios, radio studio, multimedia laboratory, TV studio, and an outdoor amphitheatre.
The Arts Centre hosts a diverse range of high-quality productions and performers, including comedy, dance, drama and music, designed to supplement English and Creative Arts programmes and entertain both students and the local community.
Where you'll study
Arts Centre
Creative Edge
Learning resources
Music production and audio post-production studios come equipped with AVID ProTools HDX digital recording systems with C|24 control surfaces, as well as Waves and IK Multimedia, and a range of microphones. Dedicated Mac labs provide access to the latest audio software while there are several dedicated rehearsal rooms which offer electronic keyboards and a range of acoustic and electric guitars, effects modules and practice amps. A selection of acoustic pianos, grand and upright, are also available.
The University may administer a small inflationary rise in tuition fees, in line with Government policy, in subsequent academic years as you progress through the course.
EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, as well as Irish nationals, may be eligible for the UK tuition fee rate.
Financial support
Subject to eligibility, UK students joining this course can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan from the Government to cover the full cost of tuition fees. UK students enrolling on the course may also be eligible to apply for additional funding to help with living costs.
Please view the relevant Money Matters guide for comprehensive information about the financial support available to eligible UK students.
EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme may be eligible to apply for financial support. Irish nationals can ordinarily apply to Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI).
If you are an EU student who does not have settled or pre-settled status, or are an international student from a non-EU country, please see our international student finance pages.
Your future career
Our music production degree will help you pursue a career which makes the most of your musical knowledge and abilities. After three years of industry-relevant study, you can start thinking about exploring freelance opportunities. Or start a career in artist management, in music studios or composing music for films and other creative industries.
Alternatively, you may think about studying music at postgraduate level, or training to be a teacher.
Course changes
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this information, however our courses are subject to ongoing review and development. Changing circumstances may necessitate alteration to, or the cancellation of, courses.
Changes may be necessary to comply with the requirements of professional bodies, revisions to subject benchmarks statements, to keep courses updated and contemporary, or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make variations if we consider such action to be necessary or in the best interests of students.
Track changes to this course
Change of Modules - 17 January 2022
MUS1173 Introduction to Popular Music and Media (20 credits) added as a compulsory module in Year 1. MUS1164 Is This Music? Understanding Sound in Society (20 credits) changes from compulsory to optional in Year 1.
MUS2177 Compositional Forms and Approaches (20 credits) changes from optional to compulsory in Year 2, while MUS2171 Electronic Music and Sound Design (20 credits) changes from compulsory to optional.
Music Production students at Edge Hill University enjoy industry-standard teaching and learning facilities in the £7million Arts Centre and £17million Creative Edge.
